Thousands of residents across parts of Georgia and Alabama have been urged to stay inside, as of Sunday, February 15, at 4.30 a.m. (ET). This is because a pocket of fine particle pollution (PM2.5) has reached “unhealthy” levels, according to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and its AirNow map—which monitors and communicates the quality of air across the United States. 

Areas Affected by PM2.5

According to the AirNow map, in Georgia, the city of Columbus and nearby communities like Buena Vista and Hamilton, and also parts of the Georgia State Route 185, are under “unhealthy” air quality warnings.  

In Alabama, the towns and cities of Auburn, Pittsview, Eufaula, and Hurtsboro have also received the same warning. 

Advice for Those in ‘Unhealthy’ Air Quality Areas 

When the quality of air reaches “unhealthy” levels, the EPA advises everyone living in affected areas to limit their exposure to the outdoor air until conditions improve. 

They should reduce the length and intensity of all outdoor activities—like walking instead of running, for example—but those in vulnerable groups, which include the elderly, children, and people with existing heart or lung conditions, should avoid outdoor activities altogether.

What Is PM2.5? 

PM2.5 are tiny particles of airborne pollution that are considered, by the EPA, to be one of the most dangerous types. This is because the polluted particles are so small—2.5 micrometers, or less—they can be unknowingly inhaled, entering deep into the lungs, or even the bloodstream, worsening health conditions like asthma, or triggering symptoms ranging from chest tightness and shortness of breath, to coughing, sneezing, and eye, throat, and nose irritation. 

The EPA hasn’t confirmed what could be causing elevated levels of PM2.5 across Georgia and Alabama at the time of publishing, but it can come from multiple sources. These include emissions from vehicles and power or industrial plants, dust from unpaved roads and construction sites, or smoke from wildfires or smokestacks. 

How the EPA Measures Air Quality

The EPA measures air quality across America using the Air Quality Index (AQI). The AQI is a standardized scale, ranging from 0 to 500, that measures and categorizes the quality of air from “good” to “hazardous.” 

• Good (0-50): Air quality is fine and poses little or no health risk to the public.

• Moderate (51-100): Air quality is acceptable, but there could be a moderate health risk for a small number of people who are unusually sensitive to air pollution.

• Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups (101-150): Members of vulnerable groups—including children, older adults, and people with heart or lung disease—may experience adverse health effects, while the general public is less likely to be affected.

• Unhealthy (151-200): Everyone may begin to experience health effects, and members of vulnerable groups may experience more serious effects.

• Very Unhealthy (201-300): When air quality reaches these levels, it triggers a health alert, as the risk of health effects is increased for everyone.

• Hazardous (301-500): A health warning of emergency conditions is raised, as the entire population will be more than likely affected.